QNA
Doha
Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, chaired the 10th meeting of the Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Doha on Sunday.
The opening session was chaired by Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs HE Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem with participation of ministers from the GCC states and Secretary-General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs HE Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani represented Qatar.
Speaking at the meeting, Ghanem emphasised that these meetings and gatherings embody and consolidate the meanings and feelings of fraternity, affection and the firm ties of the GCC countries and peoples under the leadership of leaders of the GCC countries, under their sincere vision, wise and rational directives.
He said that the 19th meeting is a continuation of the fraternal meetings that confirm and consolidate the paths of joint work and collective cooperation, especially since the agendas of the meetings are always full of important, diverse and qualitative topics, resulting in projects and programmes that support joint work and motivate the GCC countries to anticipate more, within the framework of constructive and fruitful cooperation in religious affairs.
He stressed the importance of highlighting the true image of Islam, confronting campaigns of hatred and fanaticism, proving the ability to interact positively and rationally with contemporary changes and developments locally and globally, and exerting effort to modernise and develop the work system of the institutions using all available contemporary means and mechanisms that can be accessed and dealt with.
Ghanem added that these periodic meetings at all levels continue what has been previously achieved by increasing coordination and cooperation between the GCC ministries in similar fields and specialisations such as endowments, mosques, advocacy, research and related studies and others, in addition to protecting the family, caring for archaeological and historical mosques.
The minister added that the GCC ministries look forward to working and interacting positively and effectively on the issues of Islam and Muslims, foremost among which is the issue of occupied Palestine, the city of Jerusalem and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the safe right to access it and pray in it at all times.
He pointed out that a full year has passed since the brutal aggression on Gaza and the resulting systematic destruction and killing without discrimination, with all brutality and horror, which necessitates advocacy and lifting injustice and suffering in word and deed, and achieving comprehensive and just peace.
He praised the efforts of the 9th Conference of Ministers of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs in Islamic Countries, which was organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of Saudi Arabia in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, under the title ‘The role of endowments and Islamic affairs ministries in promoting and consolidating the principles and the values of moderation’.
GCC secretary-general praised the dedicated efforts exerted by Qatar in managing and making the joint Gulf meetings a success.
He also praise the proposals to prepare a paper on the role of the Ministries of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in caring for persons with disabilities, as well as a paper entitled the importance of caring for historic mosques.
He thanked the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of Saudi Arabia for their efforts in preparing these two papers.